Seems to me that bocce is the official pastime of Saint Helena.
There is an actual Saint Helena Bocce League, which according to Metroactive “holds the title of the largest and most contentious area bocce league, with almost a sixth of the citizenry competing on 89 teams” (click here for the entire article).
Though I am not currently playing due to that huge-new-job-thing, Tom and I have been part of the world’s greatest bocce team Joanie Loves Bocce for a few years now.
While league play takes place just about every evening during the spring, summer and fall, the courts are ususally open and available for general use during the daytime.
And while our kiddo at 3.5 years old is still too young to really play, she enjoys the experience.
I can think of worse ways to spend an afternoon than hanging out at the park, rolling some balls and having a little picnic. And if your kids are older, you could definitely engage in some fun family competition. That’s our plan for next summer…
Bocce balls can be purchased at any number of online sites. Sure, if you’re visiting from Wisconsin for the week, you’re not going to buy a set of bocce balls, haul them out and back on the plane, only to stick ‘em out in the garage.
But if you are SF Bay Area-local, investing in a set is a smart idea as bocce is becoming more and more popular and courts are springing up all over the place. Just google bocce and you’ll see…(you can also find the game rules with that quick search). And of course if you are a local, you just have to get involved.
Who: All ages for the experience, probably 4-5 years+ to play
What: An easy-going game you can play with glass of wine or snack in hand
Where: Crane Park
When: Beautiful days
Why: It’s fun
The Bocce Scene
On the Court
Cheering on Our Team